Paralegal Studies Management Courses

See the list below to view courses offered through these programs of study. Specific course offerings, including selected topics course titles and descriptions, can be viewed for fall, spring and summer terms.

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  • LA 301U Paralegal I

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Introduction to the judicial system, including the federal and state courts and their jurisdiction and procedures. Introduction to the role of the paralegal in the practice of law and the management of law offices.

  • LA 303U Legal Research and Writing I
  • LA 304U Legal Research and Writing II
  • LA 306U Litigation

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    It is NOT like television! A reality check on what real litigation looks like, this course provides an introduction to the field of litigation. Covers organization of the generic law office, fact investigation, flow of litigation, court system, commencement and defense of a law suit, discovery, evidence, motions practice, trial and trial preparation. Also touches on settlement and post-trial practice.

  • LA 310U Real Estate

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Land and its elements; law of fixtures; types of easements and how they are created; acquisition of title and other interest in real estate property by deed, will, inheritance and adverse possession; co-ownership and marital rights; the legal and practical matters of real estate contracts for residential, commercial and construction transactions; plats of survey and legal descriptions; form and substance of deeds; recording priorities; and title examination and title insurance.

  • LA 312U Family Law

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    This course will cover all areas of family law, including marriage, divorce, annulment, division of property, child custody and support, spousal support and adoption.

  • LA 313U Evidence

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    In-depth study of selected Rules of Evidence and overview of Code of Professional Responsibility (Ethics).

    Prerequisites

    LA 306U.

  • LA 315U Torts

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Rooted in the blood feud, tort law remains one of the most active areas in the law. Provides an overview of tort law, the tort case, and the three broad areas of intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability (with a focus on the elements of negligence). Also explores products liability, defamation, misrepresentation, malpractice and nuisance.

  • LA 316U Contract Law

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Law of formation, legal construction, execution, and enforcement of and remedies under contracts.

  • LA 320U Environmental Law

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Survey of issues involved in the field through examination of major cases that have shaped the implementation of major federal environmental statutes since their passage beginning in the 1960s. Topics covered include the common law basis for environmental protection, constitutional and statutory authority to protect the environment, standing to bring environmental cases, the rules of judicial review, and substantive issues involving major environmental statutes and their implementing regulations. The cases are predominantly federal, but Virginia cases are used where appropriate.

  • LA 321U Criminal Law

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Addresses substantive knowledge, practical skills and competencies and ethical guidelines needed to work in criminal law area.

  • LA 322U Legal Technology and Electronic Discovery
  • LA 323U Elder Law

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Concerns legal issues associated with the elderly client. Emphasizes the various legal issues encountered in an elder law practice, including the legal documents and forms normally required to address the legal needs of the elderly client.

  • LA 325U Wills, Trusts and Estates

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    As Benjamin Franklin is quoted as having said, two things in life are certain... death and taxes. Recognizing the truth of that statement, this course will cover the following topics: the purpose and need for a Will; the classification and definitions of property; the meaning and ramifications of Testate and Intestate Estates; the legal requirements for a Will; the preparation and drafting of Wills; Advance Directives; Planning for non-traditional families; the elements and purposes of Trusts; specialized Trust and gifts; the Executor or Administrator; Estate administration; tax consideration in estate administration; Probate; and, Ethics associated with an Estate Planning legal practice. There will be numerous real life examples and Virginia practice resources provided throughout the study

  • LA 398U Selected Topics

    Semester hours: 1-6

  • LA 399U Independent Study

    Semester hours: 1-6

  • LAW 300U Business Law

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Principles of law relating to legal problems encountered in work environment, including contracts, business organizations, and secured transactions.

  • LAW 303U Constitutional Law

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Examination of the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Supreme Court and the major decisions of the Court rendered on issues including free speech, search and seizure and other police powers, war powers, property rights, civil rights, right to bear arms, separation of church and state, separation of powers among branches of the federal government, impeachment and other significant areas.

  • LAW 304U First Amendment Law

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    An overview and analysis of the laws protecting freedom of speech, religion, the press and privacy.

  • LAW 310U Great Trials in American History

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    This class investigates the great trials of the American judicial system in an effort to explore the emergence of the current justice system, including the development of trial record keeping, strategy and skills; the effect of the contemporary culture on the outcome of trial proceedings; and the divisive impact of some trials on the population of the United States. We will observe the impact of child testimony, media influence, jury bias, political influence and religious beliefs in the courtroom. The course will also consider the great orators in American law and their influence on trial outcomes and the development of the justice system.

  • LAW 315U Social Media Law and Ethics

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Overview of federal and state laws, regulations and policies, and ethical considerations regarding individual, non-profit and private sector use (and abuse) of social media. Given the scope of the topic, the course will include topics concerning intellectual property, business, employment, privacy, constitutional and advertising law.

  • LAW 322U Employment Law and Policy

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Survey of federal and state statutes and laws that govern the employment relationship. Covers topics such as establishing the employment relationship, discharge of employees, employee discrimination, wages, hours, and benefits, conditions of employment, occupational safety and health, and other topics.

  • LAW 325U CyberLaw

    Semester hours: 3

    Description

    Overview of federal and state laws, regulations and policies regarding operation and security of the Internet. Includes copyright, e-commerce and privacy issues.

  • LAW 398U Selected Topics

    Semester hours: 1-6

  • LAW 399U Independent Study

    Semester hours: 1-6